Folding camera

ABSTRACT

A compact folding camera of the self-developing type comprising a housing including two sections coupled by a bellows and movable relative to one another between folded and extended positions. One section includes means for locating a photosensitive element in position for exposure and means for processing the exposed element. The second section includes an objective lens and a mirror for reflecting light from the lens to the photosensitive element. The mirror is movable to permit viewing through the lens. The second section comprises two relatively movable portions, one including the lens, a shutter, components of a viewing and/or ranging system, and a motor for driving the shutter and the processing means, the mirror being included in the other portion and the bellows being attached thereto. The two portions are adapted to couple with one another in the extended position and be separated for more compactness in the folded position, while the mirror functions to prevent admission of light into the camera when the two portions are separated.

United States Patent Erlichman [4 1 June 13, 1972 [54] FOLDING CAMERAIrving Erlichman, Wayland, Mass.

[73] Assignee: Polaroid Corporation, Cambridge, Mass. [22] Filed: June13, 1969 [2]] Appl. No.: 832,945

[72] Inventor:

Primary Examiner-John M. l-loran AnorneyBrown and Milkulka and Robert E.Corb ABSTRACT A compact folding camera of the self-developing typecomprising a housing including two sections coupled by a bellows andmovable relative to one another between folded and extended positions.One section includes means for locating a photosensitive element inposition for exposure and means for processing the exposed element. Thesecond section includes an objective lens and a mirror for reflectinglight from the lens to the photosensitive element. The mirror is movableto permil viewing through the lens. The second section comprises tworelatively movable portions, one including the lens, a shutter,components of a viewing and/or ranging system, and a motor for drivingthe shutter and the processing means, the mirror being included in theother portion and the bellows being attached thereto. The two portionsare adapted to couple with one another in the extended position and beseparated for more compactness in the folded position, while the mirrorfunctions to prevent admission of light into the camera when the twoportions are separated.

31 Claims, 9 Drawing figures liillt PATENTEDJUH 13 m2 SHEET 2 BF 4INVENTOR.

IRVING ERLICHMAN MM (El ATTORNEYS PAYENTEflJun 13 I972 3.668.991

sum 3 OF 4 FIG? INVENTOR. IRVING ERLICHMAN 5mm and M A TTOR/VEYS FOLDINGCAMERA The present invention is concerned with a self-developing cameraof the type adapted for use with an integral film unit includingphotosensitive and image-receiving elements arranged in face-to-facerelation and a container of processing liquid adapted to be distributedwithin the film unit between the elements, following exposure of thephotosensitive element to light transmitted through the image-receivingelement, to produce a visible, positive, transfer image. Film units ofthis type are disclosed, for example, in the US. Pats. of Edwin H. Land,Nos. 3,053,659, dated Sept. 11, 1962, and 3,415,644, 3,415,645, and3,415,646, dated Dec. 10, 1968.

Cameras of this general type comprise an exposure system adapted to forma geometrically correct (rather than mirror) image of the subject at aphotosensitive element positioned for exposure within the camera. Suchan exposure system includes an objective lens for forming an image, areflector for reversing the image, and a shutter mechanism for producingexposures of a timed duration. The camera also comprises means forviewing and/or rangefinding, the latter means preferably being coupledwith the lens for altering the focus of the lens; a processing systemincluding a pair of pressure-applying rolls for distributing processingliquid between the photosensitive and image-receiving elements of a filmunit during movement of the film unit between the rolls; a source ofdriving power such as a motor, preferably electric, for rotating thepressure-applying rolls and driving the shutter; and a mechanism alsodriven by the motor, for advancing a film unit from exposure positioninto engagement with the rolls. The camera is preferably designed tohold a plurality of film units included as part of a film pack and tosuccessively position the film units for exposure, expose, and processthe succession of film units.

An object of the invention is to provide a novel and improvedself-developing camera of the type described, adapted to be folded froman operative or extended position to provide an extremely small andcompact structure relative to image size and the volume of the requiredlight path between the lens and the photosensitive element.

As noted, the camera includes a number of different operating componentsor mechanisms including a motor, film advance and processing systems,adjustable focus lens, a view and rangefinder system, and a reflector,all of which cooperate with one another and the functions and operationsof which must be mutually controlled and coordinated. Driving, controland coordination of these multiple components is further complicated bythe necessity for locating them apart from one another in different,relatively movable sections of the camera housing, accurately locatingthe components and coupling them to one another in the extended positionof the camera, and moving the components from the extended to the foldedposition to provide a compact structure in which there is a minimum ofunoccupied space. The achievement of a structure solving these problemsin an improved, unique, and simple way constitutes another object of theinvention.

Other objects of the invention will in part be obvious and will in partappear hereinafter.

The invention accordingly comprises the apparatus possessing theconstruction, combination of elements and arrangement of parts which areexemplified in the following detailed disclosure, and the scope of theapplication of which will be indicated in the claims.

For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention,reference should be had to the following detailed description taken inconnection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a camera embodying the invention shownin the folded position;

FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the camera of FIG. 1 shown in an erectposition;

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2, showing the camera in anintermediate position;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view similar to FIG. 2, illustrating thecomponents of the camera and an assemblage of film units located withinthe camera;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken through the forward housing section ofthe camera substantially along the axis of the lens;

FIG. 6 is a somewhat schematic, plan view of the forward housingsection, illustrating another embodiment thereof;

FIG. 7 is a plan view, with parts removed, of the camera shown in afolded position;

FIG. 8 is an elevational view similar to FIG. 4 and partially in sectionillustrating components of the camera mechanism; and

FIG. 9 is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of the camera and thefilm assemblages employed therein.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 1 through 4 and 8 of the drawings whereinthere is shown a folding, self-developing camera embodying the presentinvention. The camera, generally designated 10, comprises a housingincluding a rear section 12 and a forward section l4 movable relative toone another between a folded or inoperative position and an extended oroperative position. Rear housing section 12 is adapted to contain anassemblage of film units, i.e., a film pack, and locate the film packwith the forwardmost film unit in position for exposure; and alsoincludes means for processing each exposed film unit and advancing theexposed film unit from the film pack into engagement with thefilmprocessing means. The forward housing section 14 comprises anexposure system including an objective lens and shutter, and the housingsections are coupled to one another by an erecting system and acollapsible bellows providing a lighttight chamber through which lightis transmitted from the lens in the forward section to a film unitpositioned for exposure in the rear section.

Rear housing section 12 (see FIG. 7) comprises, as the essentialelements thereof, a rear wall 16, outer side walls 18, inner side walls19, end walls 20 and 22, and a forward wall 24 having a recessed section26. Section 26 is provided with a rectangular exposure aperture 28through which light is transmitted to the forwardmost film unit of thefilm pack positioned for exposure within a chamber in the rear housingsection defined by rear wall 16, inner side walls 19 and recessedsection 26 of forward wall 24. The recessed section of the forward wallalso functions to support the film pack with the photosensitive elementof the forwardmost film unit properly located in position for exposure.Rear wall 16 is provided with a section or door pivotable about a hinge30 to an open position to permit loading of a film pack into the camerahousing.

The camera 10 is adapted to be employed with a film assemblage or filmpack 32 comprising a plurality of film units 34 of the type shown anddescribed in greater detail in the aforementioned U.S. Pats. Nos.3,415,644, 3,4l5,645, and 3,4l5,646. Each film unit of this typeincorporates all the materials necessary to produce a positivephotographic print, and includes a photosensitive element 36, a secondor image receiving element 38 which is transparent and is secured inface-to-face relation with the photosensitive element, and a rupturablecontainer 40 of processing liquid secured to one end of thephotosensitive and second elements for dispensing its liquid contentstherebetween in response to the application of compressive pressure tothe container. Each film unit is adapted to be processed by advancingthe film unit, container foremost, between a pair of pressure-applyingmembers which dispense the liquid contents of the container therefrombetween the photosensitive and second elements and distribute the liquidbetween and in contact with the two elements toward the trailing endsthereof. The image-forming process is well-known in the art and involvesthe formation of transferable, image-forming substances in the exposedphotosensitive element and diffusion of the image-forming substances toanother layer within the film unit where they form a visible, positiveimage. In the particular example shown herein and discussed in theaforementioned Land patents, the processing liquid includes anopacifying agent which is spread in a layer between the photosensitiveelement, which is preferably opaque to actinic light, and animage-receiving layer on transparent second element 38 to provide abackground for the positive transfer image and to serve to mask anyimage formed in the photosensitive elernent.

Relatively small camera size and a high degree of compactness with aminimum of wasted volume in the folded position of the camera, isachieved by eliminating the necessity for providing a chamber within thecamera in which the film unit is retained in a light-free environmentduring the image-formation process. Accordingly, the film unit isdesigned to be advanced from the camera almost directly into the lightimmediately as the processing liquid is distributed within the filmunit, thereby requiring that the processing liquid be effective toprevent further exposure of the photosensitive element almostimmediately as it is spread within the film unit. The opacifying agentin the processing liquid contributes to the prevention of exposure ofthe photosensitive element to light transmitted by the transparentsecond sheet, and appropriate reagents, such as a desensitizing agent,may be provided in the processing liquid to further insure that thephotosensitive element is not exposed to the detriment of the visibleimage during processing in the light outside of the camera.

Film pack 32 comprises a plurality of film units 34 arranged in stackedrelation in an opaque container 42 having a forward wall 44 providedwith an exposure aperture 46 substantially coextensive in size and shapewith the image to be formed and an end wall 48 formed with an exit slot50 through which film units may be moved one at a time. A conventionalspring and pressure plate assembly (not shown) may be provided in thefilm pack or as a component of the camera located behind the stack offilm units 34 for supporting the forwardmost film unit against forwardwall 44 in position for exposure and in alignment with exit slot 50. Inthe preferred embodiment of the camera, this spring and pressure plateassembly may take the form shown in the copending US. Pat. applicationof Irving Erlichman, Ser. No. 785,089, filed Dec. I9, 1968, now US. Pat.No. 3,561,339, issued Feb. 9, 197l, and be adapted, not only to urge thefilm units into position for exposure, but to make electrical contactswith a battery in the film pack for energizing electrical components ofthe camera. Openings (not shown) are provided in forward wall 44adjacent at least one side thereof in the region of containers 40 toenable a device means within the camera for advancing the leading end ofthe forwardmost film unit from container 42 through slot 50, to enterthe pack and engage and move the exposed film unit. The film pack isinitially provided with a suitable dark slide (not shown) locatedbetween forward wall 44 and the forwardmost film unit 34 for blockingthe admission of light through exposure aperture 46, the dark slidebeing substantially the same size as a film unit and subject towithdrawal from the film pack through exit slot 50 in the same manner asa film unit.

Forward housing section 14 is adapted to enclose a lens and shutterassembly, a mirror for reflecting light from the lens to aphotosensitive element positioned for exposure in the rear housingsection while effecting a reversal of the image, a viewfinder and/or arangefinder system, and a motor for driving the components of the cameraincluding the shutter and the filmadvancing and processing mechanism.Forward housing section 14 comprises two portions: a first or forwardportion 54 and a second or rear portion 56, adapted to be coupled withone another to form the forward housing section in the extended positionof the camera and to be separated and stored separately in the foldedposition of the camera to provide for a more compact structure. Rearportion 56 includes a generally flat rectangular plate 58 having lateralflanges 60 and formed with a trapezoidal-shaped aperture 62 foradmitting light from the forward housing section to the rear of thecamera housing. The camera includes a conventional folding bellows 64coupled at one end to plate 58 and at its other end to recessed section26 of forward wall 24 around exposure aperture 28 in the recessedsection to provide a lighttight chamber between plate 58 and forwardwall 24 through which light is transmitted to a photosensitive elementpositioned for exposure behind recessed section 26.

The camera includes a conventional objective lens, designated 66, havingat least one element, designated 68, movable along the optic axis of thelens for focusing. Lens 66 is mounted in forward portion 54 of theforward housing section with the optic axis of the lens arranged in aplane parallel with the plane of the photosensitive element positionedfor exposure. A trapezoidal-shaped mirror 70 is mounted on plate 58adjacent the edge of the mirror and opening 62 furtherest from the lensfor movement between an operative position (see FIG. 4), in which themirror is disposed at 45 with respect to the lens axis and the plant ofthe photosensitive element, and a closed position, shown in FIG. 7, inwhich the mirror is seated in a recess in plate 58 in closing relationto opening 62. Means, such as spring 72, are provided for biasing mirror70 into the closed position, and means to be described hereinafter areprovided for pivoting the mirror against the bias of spring 72 into theoperative position thereof.

Forward portion 54 of the forward housing section is in the form of aparallelepipedon having a thickness slightly less than the thickness ofrear housing section 12, and including a housing comprising a forwardwall 74, rear wall 76, side walls 78, and end walls and 82. Forwardportion 54 is movable along a generally arcuate path from the extendedposition shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 8 to the folded or storage positionshown in FIGS. 1 and 7, in which portion 54 is disposed adjacent endwall 20 of the rear housing section as an extension thereof. Rear wall12 and side walls 19 of the rear housing section are extended to providea recess for receiving forward portion 54 in the folded position of thecamera, and outer side walls 18 are also extended and cooperate with theinner side walls to provide a space for containing components of thecamera mechanism including an erecting system and a transmission fordriving the film feeding and processing mechanism. Lateral flanges 84are provided on forward portion 54 as a cover for the recesses betweenthe extensions of side walls 18 and 20 in which the erecting system andtransmission are contained in the folded position of the camera.

Rear portion 56 of the forward housing section is movable generallylinearly from an extended position to a folded position in which therear portion is stored within the recess provided by recessed section 26of forward wall 24 together with bellows 64. Forward door 88 ispivotally mounted on the rear housing section adjacent end wall 22 andis pivotable between the open position shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 whenthe housing sections are in an extended position to a closed positionshown in HO. 1, in which door 88 covers the recess containing rearportion 60 and the folded bellows and the recesses between side walls I8and 19 containing the erecting system and the transmission.

The camera includes two erecting systems comprising linkages for movingthe two portions of the forward housing section along separate pathsbetween their respective folded and extended positions. The firsterecting system for moving forward portion 54 comprises two pairs ofparallel linkages, each pair including a first link 90 and a second link92. Links 90 and 92 are mounted for pivotal movement adjacent one end onside walls 78 of portion 54 and at their other ends on the rear housingsection, for example, on side walls 18 thereof, and function to locatethe forward portion 54 in generally parallel positions in the folded andextended positions of the camera housing.

A second erecting system is provided for moving rear portion 60 betweenthe folded and extended positions thereof and comprise two linkages,each including a support link adapted, in the extended position of thecamera, to provide a rigid support between the forward housing sectionand the rear housing section and cooperate with the rear housing sectionand door 88 to provide a rigid triangular structure for accuratelylocating the forward housing section and rigidly supporting it in theoperative position. The aforementioned support link comprises first link94, pivotally mounted at one end on the rear housing section andpivotally connects at its midportion to a second link 96, pivotallyconnected at its other end to a flange 98 on door 88. The othercomponents of the second erecting system include a short link 100,pivotally connected at one end to door 88 and at its other end to flange60 of rear portion 56; and a pin or stud 102 mounted on link 96 andengaged in a generally S-shaped slot 104 in link 100. During movement ofrear portion 60 between the folded and extended positions thereof, pin102 slides from one end of slot 104 to the other end thereof and, in sodoing, functions to maintain a generally parallel relationship betweenplate 58 and recessed section 26 of forward wall 24, thereby providingfor a simple collapsible bellows structure and a minimum of distortionof the bellows. The erecting system for rear portion 60 is itself aconventional, well-known type employed, for example, in a camera sold byPolaroid Corporation under the designation Model 808, and may includespring detents (not shown) engaged with either or both links 94 and 96for retaining the erecting system in the extended position in whichlinks 94 and 96 are pivoted past the center such that the pivotal axisat which the links are joined is off a line between the centers at whichlinks 94 and 96 are pivotally connected to the rear housing section anddoor 88 respectively.

The two erecting systems are coupled to one another so as to coordinatethe movement of portions 54 and 56 such that during movement of theportions from the folded position into the extended position, portion 54arrives at the extended position prior to portion 56, which then moveslinearly into engagement with portion 54. Movement of the two portionsis coordinated in this manner in order to provide for interlocking andaccurate positioning of the two portions relative to one another. Themeans for positioning the two portions including locating pins 106mounted on springs 108 on the rear side of plate 58 outside of bellows64 and biased by springs 108 for wardly through openings in the plate.Rear wall 76 of forward portion 54 is provided with openings 110 adaptedto receive pins 106 and locate the two portions relative to one anotherin the extended position thereof. Pins 106 are mounted on springs 108 topermit the pins to be depressed rearwardly when the camera is folded inresponse to engagement of the pins by forward door 88. The two erectingsystems are coupled so that movement of portions 54 and 56 into thefolded position is essentially the reverse of the erecting movement,that is, portion 56 moves rearwardly, disengaging pins 106 from openings110 prior to any substantial movement of forward portion 54 laterallywith respect to portion 56. This ter minal and initial movement ofportion 56 relative to portion 54 is illustrated in FIG. 3 of thedrawings in which portion 54 is shown as being in substantially itsfully extended position while portion 56 is displaced substantially fromits fully extended position.

The means for coordinating the function of the two erecting systemscomprises a pair of relatively short links 112, each pivotallyconnecting the door 88 at the same location as link 96 and including apin or stud 114 at its other end engaged for sliding movement in a slot116 in link 92. The function of this interlocking system is illustratedin FIGS. 2 and 3, in which the camera is shown in the fully erected andpartially folded positions. To fold the camera, the operator engages anddepresses links 94, pivoting them in a clockwise direction, therebycausing pin 102, engaged in slot 104, to move link I00 rearwardly, inturn moving portion 56 rearwardly and disengaging it from portion 54.Motion of links 94 and 96 is transmitted through pin I02 and link 100 todoor 88, which is pivoted only slightly, effecting substantially nomovement of portion 54 during the initial movement of portion 56 fromthe fully extended to the partially extended position shown in FIG. 3.However, further pivotal movement of door 88 is effective as a result ofengagement of pin 114 in slot 116 in link 92 to pivot link 92 in acounterclockwise direction thereby effecting the arcuate movement offorward portion 54 into the folded position thereof. Once movement ofthe sections toward the folded position has been initiated by pivotinglink 94, movement of the portions into the fully folded position can beaccomplished in a number of ways, including engaging forward portion 54and/or door 88 by pivoting the portion or the door in a counterclockwisedirection about its respective axis. Extension of the camera from thefolded position is effected in substantially the reverse manner, forexample, by grasping forward portion 54 and pivoting the latter towardits erect position.

As previously noted, the exposure and viewfinding systems are in thesame housing section and the construction and operation thereof can besimplified if lens 66 is employed in the nature of a single lens reflexcamera for both viewing, ranging, and exposing. Such a system isillustrated in FIGS. 5, 7 and 8, in which a mirror 118 disposed at a 45angle with respect to the lens axis is located behind the lens in thepath of light therefrom for directing light along a path perpendicularto the lens axis and substantially parallel with the plane of thephotosensitive material toward a second mirror 120 for redirecting thelight along a path parallel to the lens axis. The ranging and viewingsystem may be substantially the same as that of conventional single lensreflex cameras and including intermediate lens 122 for forming an imageat a screen I14 which may include means such as wedges or the like forproducing two images of the same subject which are aligned or incoincidence when lens 66 is in focus. An eye lens 126 is provided toenable the operator to view the image formed at screen 124. Mirror 118is located behind mirror 70, and the other components of the viewing andranging system are shown in FIGS. 5 and 7 in the folded position, thecomponents of the viewing and ranging system being mounted on a plate128, in turn mounted for reciprocating movement parallel with the lensaxis from the folded position shown rearwardly with respect to the lensto an extended position such that mirror 118 will not interfere withmirror 70 when the latter is in its operative position. A spring isprovided for biasing the lens and mirrors comprising the viewing andranging system rearwardly with respect to lens 66 into the extendedposition, while the housing 127 for eye lens 126 and the corner of rearhousing section 12 at the juncture of walls 20 and 24 are formed withmutually cooperative cam surfaces effective to displace the viewing andranging system forwardly with respect to lens 66 when portion 54 ismoved into the folded position thereof.

Focusing of lens 66 may be achieved in a conventional manner, forexample, by mounting front lens element 68 in a threaded barrel whichmay be rotated manually through manually engageable gear 132.

The camera includes a shutter assembly, generally designated 134. whichmay be of a conventional type, and the details of which are not shown.The shutter, as well as the filmadvancing and processing mechanisms, arepreferably operative automatically by motor means such as an electricmotor, designated 136, located within portion 54 and powered by a sourceof current such as a battery located within the film pack with which thecamera is loaded. The drive mechanism coupled with the motor includesmeans for coordinating the operation of the shutter and the movement ofmirror 70 in order to permit viewing and taking through lens 66. Theoperating cycle of the camera commences with mirror 70 in the foldedposition blocking the passage of light through aperture 62, therebypermitting extension and folding of the camera while preventing theadmission of light into the camera. The lens and shutter assembly mayalso include a diaphragm and a shutter blade or blades which function toprevent admission of light during movement of mirror 70 between itsoperative and inoperative positions and may or may not also function tomake exposures of a timed duration. Thus, in the operation of thecamera, actuation of the shutter to make an exposure is effective firstto close a shutter, pivot mirror '70 into the operative position, closethe diaphragm to a preselected setting, open and close a shutter to makean exposure of timed duration, pivot mirror 70 to its inoperativeposition while opening the diaphragm fully, and then opening the shutterto permit viewing and ranging through the objective lens.

Systems of this type, for coordinating the operation of a shutter,diaphragm, and mirror, are well-known in the art and are not consideredto require illustration or further explanation herein. However, in thecamera of the invention, mirror 70 and the shutter-driving mechanismtherefor are mounted in separate, relatively movable portions of thecamera housing, and one of these portions (56) is essentially arelatively thin wall so that provision must be made for coupling theshutterdriving mechanism with mirror 70. In the form shown, thesecoupling means include a tab 140 extending from mirror 70 in thedirection parallel with the pivotal axis of the mirror and being closeto that axis. The shutter-driving mechanism includes a member 142mounted for lengthwise reciprocating motion in a channel 144 in theforward surface of plate 58. Channel 144 extends behind tab 140, andmember 142 in cludes a wedge shaped end section 146 adapted to functionas a cam in engagement with tab 140 for pivoting mirror 70 against thebias of spring 72 into an operative position when member 142 is movedlengthwise toward the pivotal axis of the mirror.

An alternative viewing and rangefinding system is illustrated in FIG. 6of the drawings and comprises a conventional binocular, split fieldrangefinder providing two light paths. One light path is defined by alens 150 located adjacent one side of portion 54, a 45 mirror 152 foraltering the direction of light from lens 150 transversely of the lensaxis toward the opposite side of portion 54, and a half mirror 154 fordirecting light from lens 150 rearwardly through an eye lens 156. Thesecond light path includes a lens 158 located at the opposite side ofportion 54 from lens 150 for directing light past half mirror 154through eye lens 156 so that the operator views one half of the scenethrough lens 150 and the other half through lens I58. Mirror 154 ismounted for pivotal movement about an axis perpendicular to the lensaxis and located in the plane of the reflecting surface of the mirror onan arm 160 including a cam follower 162 engaged with a cam 164 onmanually engageable gear 132. A spring 165 is provided for biasing camfollower 162 into engagement with cam 164. By virtue of thisconstruction, there is a direct coupling between the movable component68 of lens 66 and mirror 154, and focusing of the lens and rangefinderare accomplished by manually engaging and rotating gear 132. Eye piece156 may be mounted for reciprocating movement into and out of thehousing of portion 54 in substantially the same manner as the viewingand rangefinding system illustrated in FIG. 7, and for this purpose, maybe mounted on a spring 166, in turn mounted on rear wall 82 of portion54 and is provided with a suitable cam surface engageable with the rearhousing section.

The processing system of the camera comprises a pair of juxtaposed,pressure-applying rollers 170 and 172 mounted in juxtaposition withinthe rear housing section between end wall and the end of the film packand biased toward one another so as to apply compressive pressure to afilm unit during movement of the film unit between the rollers. Rollers170 and 172 are adapted to be driven in, respectively, clockwise andcounterclockwise directions for advancing a film unit therebetween andfrom the camera through a slot 174 in end wall 20. The means for drivingthe rollers include spur gears 176 and 178 on the ends of the rollersmeshed with one another and driven through a transmission including abevel gear 180 coupled to roller 170 and meshed with a bevel gear 182 onan elongated shaft 184 extending between inner and outer side walls 18and 19. Shaft 184 is mounted for rotation about an axis through the axisof rotation of roll 170 and the pivotal axis of link 90 and is coupledthrough bevel gears 186, 187, and 188 to a second shaft 190 mounted forrotation on link 90 about an axis through the centers of pivotalmovement of link 90 relative to the rear housing section and portion 54.Shaft 190 is in turn coupled through motor 136 through a bevel gear I92on the forward end of shaft 190 meshed with a bevel gear 194 driven by agear train 196, in turn driven by motor 136. The

8 transmission, including shafts 184 and 190, and the various bevelgears on the ends of the shafts and at the pivotal axes of link maintainthe drive coupling between motor 136 and the spread rolls in both thefolded and extended positions of the camera housing.

The camera also includes a system for feeding each exposed film unitfrom container 42 through slot 50 into the bite of rollers and 172, andin the form shown, these means include reciprocating lever 198 includinga hook-shaped end section 200 adapted to extend through an opening inforward wall 44 of container 42 into engagement with the forwardmostfilm unit and an enlarged end section provided with slot 202 forreceiving a pin 204 mounted on one end of roller 170 for reciporcatinglever 198 during rotation of the pressure-applying rollers.

It will be seen from the foregoing description that the stated objectsof a compact, automatic, self-developing camera are achieved in a noveland unobvious folding camera structure including relatively movableforward and rear housing sections connected by a collapsible bellows inwhich the forward section includes two relatively movable portions and amirror and the portions are moved between folded and extended portionsby two interconnected erecting systems. This structure solves in a novelmanner, the complex problems of coupling and coordinating the operationof the many components of the mechanism of a folding camera designed toautomatically expose and produce photographic prints having a relativelylarge format in a camera which, when folded, is relatively small andcompact.

Since certain changes may be made in the above apparatus withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention herein involved, it isintended that all matter contained in the above description or shown inthe accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and notin a limiting sense.

What is claimed is:

l. A folding camera comprising in combination:

a housing including first and second sections movable relative to oneanother between a compact, folded position and an extended, operativeposition;

support means within said first section for locating a photosensitiveelement in position for exposure;

optical means in said second section for forming an image of a subjectat a photosensitive element positioned for exposure in said firstsection;

reflecting means located in said second section in the path of lighttransmitted by said optical means between the latter and said supportmeans when said sections are in said operative position, for reflectinglight from said optical means toward a photosensitive element positionedfor exposure in said first section;

said second section including two portions joined in said extendedposition and separated in said folded position, said optical means beingmounted on said first portion and said reflecting means being mounted onsaid second portion; and

erecting means for moving said first and second portions relative to oneanother and said first section between said folded and extendedpositions and supporting said sections in said extended position withsaid portions joined to one another.

2. A folding camera comprising in combination:

a housing including first and second sections movable relative to oneanother between a compact, folded position and an extended, operativeposition;

support means within said first section for locating a photosensitiveelement in position for exposure;

optical means in said second section including an objective lens forforming an image of a subject at a photosensitive element positioned forexposure in said first section;

said support means including means for locating a photosensitive elementin position for exposure substantially in a plane arranged at an angleother than perpendicular to the axis of said lens when said housingsections are in said extended position; and

a mirror mounted in said second section behind said lens in the path oflight transmitted by said lens for reflecting light from said lenstoward a photosensitive element positioned for exposure in said firstsection, said mirror being mounted for movement between a first positionin the path of light transmitted by said lens along the axis thereof anda second position out of said path of light.

3. A folding cameracomprising in combination:

a housing including first and second sections movable relative to oneanother between a compact, folded position and an extended, operativeposition;

support means within said first section for locating a photosensitiveelement in position for exposure;

optical means in said second section for forming an image of a subjectat a photosensitive element positioned for exposure in said firstsection; and

reflecting means located in said second section in the path of lighttransmitted by said optical means when said sections are in saidoperative position, for reflecting light from said optical means towarda photosensitive element positioned for exposure in said first section;

said reflecting means being movable between a first position in saidpath of light transmitted by said optical means, for reflecting lightfrom said optical means toward a photosensitive element supported inposition for exposure, and a second position out of said path.

4. A folding camera as defined in claim 3 further including secondoptical means within said second section for enabling an operator toview through said first optical means when said reflecting means are insaid second position.

5. A folding camera as defined in claim 4 wherein said optical meansinclude an objective lens and said support means locate saidphotosensitive element in position for exposure in a plane substantiallyparallel with the optic axis of said lens.

6. A folding camera as defined in claim 4 wherein said reflecting meansinclude a mirror for preventing light admitted into said housing throughsaid second optical means from exposing a photosensitive elementpositioned for exposure in said first section.

7. A folding camera as defined in claim 6 further including a shutter insaid second section associated with said optical means for makingexposures of a timed duration and means for coordinating the operationof said shutter with the movement of said mirror.

8. A folding camera as defined in claim 7 wherein the lastmentionedmeans include means for moving said mirror between said first and secondpositions during periods when said shutter is closed, when said mirroris in said first position, opening and closing said shutter to makeexposures and, when said mirror is in said second position, opening saidshutter to permit viewing through said first optical means.

9. A folding camera as defined in claim 4 wherein said optical meansinclude an objective lens including at least an element movable axiallyto adjust the focus of said lens.

10. A folding camera comprising in combination:

a housing including first and second sections movable relative to oneanother between a compact, folded position and an extended, operativeposition;

support means within said first section for locating a photosensitiveelement in position for exposure;

optical means in said second section including an objective lens forforming an image of a subject at a photosensitive element positioned forexposure in said first section, said lens including at least an elementmovable axially to adjust the focus of said lens;

said support means including means for locating a photosensitive elementin position for exposure substantially in a plane arranged at an angleother than perpendicular to the axis of said lens when said housingsections are in said extended position;

reflecting means located in said second section in the path of lighttransmitted by said optical means when said sections are in saidoperative position, for reflecting light reflecting means including 10from said optical means toward a photosensitive" 'ie'iiiem positionedfor exposure in said first section; and h ranging means in said secondsection coupled withtaid element crisis tens. I

l l. A folding camera comprising in combination; I

a housing including first and second men m'svsslsigntive to one anotherbetween a'compact, foldedpds'ition and an extended, operative position;I

said second section including first and second portions movable relativeto"oneanother between separated positions during movement of said firstand second sectionsbetween', respectively, said extended kind foldedpositions;

support means within said first section for locating aphotosensitive'el'ement in position for exposure; v

optical means mounted in said first portion of said segond section forforming an image of a subject at aTphotos'ehsL tive element positionedfor exposure in said 'firs't section; and

reflecting means located in second portion of second section in the pathof light transmitted by'saidbptical means when said sections are in saidoperative position, for reflecting light from said optical means towardsaid photosensitive element positioned for exposure in said firstsection. v

12. A folding camera as defined in claim 11 further including means forconnecting said portions and forming a light'tight seal between saidportions in said extended position of said section.

13. A folding camera comprising in combination:

a housing including first and second sections movable relative to oneanother between a compact, folded position and an extended, operativeposition;

said second section including first and second portions movable relativeto one another between conjoined and separated positions during movementof said first and second sections between, re pectively, said extendedand folded positions;

support means within said first section for locating a photosensitiveelement in position for exposure;

optical means mounted in said first portion of said second section forforming an image of a subject at a photosensitive element positioned forexposure in said first section; and

reflecting means mounted on said second portion of said second sectionfor movement from a first position in said path of light transmitted bysaid optical means, for reflecting light from said optical means towarda photosensitive element positioned for exposure in said first section,to a second position out of said path.

14. A folding camera as defined in claim 13 further includingcollapsible enclosure means coupled between said second portion and saidfirst section and providing a lighttight chamber through which light istransmitted from said second section to a photosensitive elementpositioned for exposure within said first section.

is. A folding camera as defined in claim 14 wherein said reflectingmeans include a mirror adapted, in said second position, to prevent theadmission of light into said chamber provided by said enclosure means.

16. A folding camera as defined in claim 14 wherein said enclosure meansinclude a folding bellows.

17. A folding camera as defined in claim 14 further including firsterecting means for moving said first portion between said folded andextended positions and second erecting means for moving said secondportion between said folded and extended positions.

18. A folding camera as defined in claim 17 wherein said first erectingmeans are adapted to move said first portion along an arcuate pathbetween said folded position in which said second section is arranged inside-by-side relation with said first section and defines a lateralextension thereof and said extended position in which said sections arein spaced relation.

19. A folding camera as defined in claim 17 wherein said second erectingmeans are adapted to move said second portion generally linearly betweensaid folded and extended positions.

20. A folding camera as defined in claim 17 wherein said second erectingmeans include a cover member movably, coupled to said first section and,in said folded position, cooperating with said first section to enclosesaid second portion and said enclosure means.

21. A folding camera comprising in combination:

a housing including first and second sections movable relative to oneanother between a compact, folded position and an extended, operativeposition;

said second section including first and second portions movable relativeto one another between conjoined and separated positions during movementof said first and second sections between, respectively, said extendedand folded positions;

support means within said first section for locating a photosensitiveelement in position for exposure;

optical means in said second section for forming an image of a subjectat a photosensitive element positioned for exposure in said firstsection;

reflecting means located in said second section in the path of lighttransmitted by said optical means when said sections are in saidoperative position, for reflecting light from said optical means towardsaid photosensitive element positioned for exposure in said firstsection;

first erecting means for moving said first portion along a first pathbetween said folded and extended positions; and

second erecting means for moving said second portion along another pathbetween said folded and extended positions.

22. A folding camera as defined in claim 21 wherein said first path iscurved and said other path is generally linear.

23. A folding camera comprising in combination:

a housing including first and second sections movable relative to oneanother between a compact, folded position and an extended, operativeposition;

support means within said first section for locating a photosensitiveelement in position for exposure;

optical means in said second section for forming an image of a subjectat a photosensitive element positioned for exposure in said firstsection;

reflecting means located in said second section in the path of lighttransmitted by said optical means when said sections are in saidoperative position, for reflecting light from said optical means towarda photosensitive element positioned for exposure in said first section;

advancing means located with said first section for moving aphotosensitive element from exposure position;

a shutter located in said second section in association with saidoptical means for making exposures of a timed duration;

drive means within said section; and

power transmission means coupled between said drive means and saidadvancing means and said shutter means for operating said advancingmeans and said shutter means.

24. A folding camera as defined in claim 23 wherein said reflectingmeans are movable between a first position in said path of lighttransmitted by said optical means for reflecting said light toward aphotosensitive element positioned for exposure and a second position outof said path, and said drive means are coupled with said reflectingmeans for moving the latter between said first and second positions.

25. A folding camera comprising, in combination:

a housing including first and second sections movable relative to oneanother between folded and extended positions;

support means within said first section for locating a photosensitiveelement in position for exposure;

image-forming optical means within said second section;

said second section comprising first and second portions coupled withone another in said extended position of said camera housing and locatedapart from one another in said folded position of said camera housing;

said optical means being mounted on said first portion of said secondsection;

collapsible enclosure means coupled between said first section and saidsecond portion of said second section and cooperating therewith toprovide a lighttight chamber between said first and second sections;

first linkage means connected between said first housing section andsaid first portion of said second housing section for moving the latterbetween said folded and extended positions thereof and supporting saidfirst portion in said extended position;

second linkage means connected between said first section and saidsecond portion of said second section for moving the latter between saidfolded and extended positions thereof; and

means coupling said first and second linkage means for coordinating themotion of said first and second portions of said second section relativeto one another and said first section between said folded and extendedpositions.

26. A folding camera as defined in claim 25 wherein said second portionincludes an aperture for transmitting light from said optical meansthrough said chamber to a photose nsitive element positioned forexposure in said first section, said camera further including reflectingmeans mounted on said second portion for directing light from saidoptical means through said aperture toward a photosensitive elementpositioned for exposure.

27. A folding camera comprising, in combination:

a housing including first and second sections movable relative to oneanother between folded and extended positions;

said second section comprising first and second portions coupled withone another in said extended position of said camera housing and locatedapart from one another in said folded position of said camera housing;

support means within said first section for locating a photosensitiveelement in position for exposure;

image-forming optical means mounted within said second section on saidfirst portion thereof;

collapsible enclosure means coupled between said first section and saidsecond portion of said second section and cooperating therewith toprovide a lighttight chamber between said first and second sections;

said second section of said second portion including an aperture fortransmitting light from said optical means through said chamber to aphotosensitive element positioned for exposure in said first section;

reflecting means including a mirror mounted on said second portion formovement between an operative position in which said mirror reflectslight from said optical means through said aperture toward aphotosensitive element positioned for exposure, and an inoperativeposition in which said mirror closes said aperture against the passageof light therethrough; and

first and second erecting means for moving, respectively,

said first and second portions of said second section relative to oneanother and said first section between said folded and extendedpositions. 28, A folding camera as defined in claim 25 wherein saidfirst linkage means move said first portion along an arcuate pathbetween said folded position adjacent one side of said first section toan extended position spaced from said first secsaid extended positionprior to completion of movement of said second portion along anintersecting path into said extended position and move said secondportion into operative engagement with said first portion during theterminal portion of movement of said second portion into said extendedposition; and said second linkage means move said second portion fromsaid extended position and from operative engagement with said firstportion prior to substantial movement of said first portion from saidextended position.

30. A folding camera comprising, in combination:

a housing including first and second sections movable relative to oneanother between folded and extended positions;

said second section comprising first and second portions coupled withone another in said extended position of said camera housing and locatedapart from one another in said folded position of said camera housing;

support means within said first section for locating a photosensitiveelement in position for exposure;

image-forming optical means mounted within said second section on saidfirst portion thereof;

collapsible enclosure means coupled between said first section and saidsecond portion of said second section and cooperating therewith toprovide a lighttight chamber between said first and second sections;

said second section of said second portion including an aperture fortransmitting light from said optical means through said chamber to aphotosensitive element positioned for exposure in said first section;

reflecting means including a mirror mounted on said second portion formovement between an operative position in which said mirror reflectslight from said optical means through said aperture toward aphotosensitive element pofitioned for exposure, and an inoperativeposition in which said mirror closes said aperture against the passageof light therethrough.

31. A folding camera as defined in claim 29 wherein said means couplingsaid first and second linkage means coordinate movement of said firstportion along a linear path with movement of said second portion alongan arcuate path to bring said first and second portions into operativeengagement in said extended position of said housing sections.

IF i I I I!

1. A folding camera comprising in combination: a housing including firstand second sections movable relative to one another between a compact,folded position and an extended, operative position; support meanswithin said first section for locating a photosensitive element inposition for exposure; optical means in said second section for formingan image of a subject at a photosensitive element positioned forexposure in said first section; reflecting means located in said secondsection in the path of light transmitted by said optical means betweenthe latter and said support means when said sections are in saidoperative position, for reflecting light from said optical means towarda photosensitive element positioned for exposure in said first section;said second section including two portions joined in said extendedposition and separated in said folded position, said optical means beingmounted on said first portion and said reflecting means being mounted onsaid second portion; and erecting means for moving said first and secondportions relative to one another and said first section between saidfolded and extended positions and supporting said sections in saidextended position with said portions joined to one another.
 2. A foldingcamera comprising in combination: a housing including first and secondsections movable relative to one another between a compact, foldedposition and an extended, operative position; support means within saidfirst section for locating a photosensitive element in position forexposure; optical means in said second section including an objectivelens for forming an image of a subject at a photosensitive elementpositioned for exposure in said first section; said support meansincluding means for locating a photosensitive element in position forexposure substantially in a plane arranged at an angle other thanperpendicular to the axis of said lens when said housing sections are insaid extended position; and reflecting means including a mirror mountedin said second section behind said lens in the path of light transmittedby said lens for reflecting light from said lens toward a photosensitiveelement positioned for exposure in said first section, said mirror beingmounted for movement between a first position in the path of lighttransmitted by said lens along the axis thereof and a second positionout of said path of light.
 3. A folding camera comprising incombination: a housing including first and second sections movablerelative to one another between a compact, folded position and anextended, operative position; support means within said first sectionfor locating a photosensitive element in position for exposure; opticalmeans in said second section for forming an image of a subject at aphotosensitive element positioned for exposure in said first section;and reflecting means located in said second section in the path of lighttransmitted by said optical means when said sections are in saidoperative position, for reflecting light from said optical means towarda photosensitive element positioned for exposure in said first section;said reflecting means being movable between a first position in saidpath of light transmitted by said optical means, for reflecting lightfrom said optical means toward a photosensitive element supported inposition for exposure, and a second position out of said path.
 4. Afolding camera as defined in claim 3 further including second opticalmeans within said second section for enabling an operator to viewthrough said first optical means when said reflecting means are in saidsecond position.
 5. A folding camera as defined in claim 4 wherein saidoptical means include an objective lens and said support means locatesaid photosensitive element in position for exposure in a planesubstantially parallel with the optic axis of said lens.
 6. A foldingcamera as defined in claim 4 wherein said reflecting means include amirror for preventing light admitted into said housing through saidsecond optical means from exposing a photosensitive element positionedfor exposure in said first section.
 7. A folding camera as defined inclaim 6 further including a shutter in said second section associatedwith said optical means for making exposures of a timed duration andmeans for coordinating the operation of said shutter with the movementof said mirror.
 8. A folding camera as defined in claim 7 wherein thelast-mentioned means include means for moving said mirror between saidfirst and second positions during periods when said shutter is closed,when said mirror is in said first position, opening and closing saidshutter to make exposures and, when said mirror is in said secondposition, opening said shutter to permit viewing through said firstoptical means.
 9. A folding camera as defined in claim 4 wherein saidoptical means include an objective lens including at least an elementmovable axially to adjust the focus of said lens.
 10. A folding cameracomprising in combination: a housing including first and second sectionsmovable relative to one another between a compact, folded position andan extended, operative position; support means within said first sectionfor locating a photosensitive element in position for exposure; opticalmeans in said second section including an objective lens for forming animage of a subject at a photosensitive element positioned for exposurein said first section, said lens including at least an element movableaxially to adjust the focus of said lens; said support means includingmeans for locating a photosensitive element in position for exposuresubstantially in a plane arranged at an angle other than perpendicularto the axis of said lens when said housing sections are in said extendedposition; reflecting means located in said second section in the path oflight transmitted by said optical means when said sections are in saidoperative position, for reflecting light from said optical means towarda photosensitive element positioned for exposure in said first section;and ranging means in said second section coupled with said element ofsaid lens.
 11. A folding camera comprising in combination: a housingincluding first and second sections movable relative to one anotherbetween a compact, folded position and an extended, operative position;said second section including first and second portions movable relativeto one another between conjoined and separated positions during movementof said first and second sections between, respectiVely, said extendedand folded positions; support means within said first section forlocating a photosensitive element in position for exposure; opticalmeans mounted in said first portion of said second section for formingan image of a subject at a photosensitive element positioned forexposure in said first section; and reflecting means located in saidsecond portion of said second section in the path of light transmittedby said optical means when said sections are in said operative position,for reflecting light from said optical means toward said photosensitiveelement positioned for exposure in said first section.
 12. A foldingcamera as defined in claim 11 further including means for connectingsaid portions and forming a lighttight seal between said portions insaid extended position of said section.
 13. A folding camera comprisingin combination: a housing including first and second sections movablerelative to one another between a compact, folded position and anextended, operative position; said second section including first andsecond portions movable relative to one another between conjoined andseparated positions during movement of said first and second sectionsbetween, respectively, said extended and folded positions; support meanswithin said first section for locating a photosensitive element inposition for exposure; optical means mounted in said first portion ofsaid second section for forming an image of a subject at aphotosensitive element positioned for exposure in said first section;and reflecting means mounted on said second portion of said secondsection for movement from a first position in said path of lighttransmitted by said optical means, for reflecting light from saidoptical means toward a photosensitive element positioned for exposure insaid first section, to a second position out of said path.
 14. A foldingcamera as defined in claim 13 further including collapsible enclosuremeans coupled between said second portion and said first section andproviding a lighttight chamber through which light is transmitted fromsaid second section to a photosensitive element positioned for exposurewithin said first section.
 15. A folding camera as defined in claim 14wherein said reflecting means include a mirror adapted, in said secondposition, to prevent the admission of light into said chamber providedby said enclosure means.
 16. A folding camera as defined in claim 14wherein said enclosure means include a folding bellows.
 17. A foldingcamera as defined in claim 14 further including first erecting means formoving said first portion between said folded and extended positions andsecond erecting means for moving said second portion between said foldedand extended positions.
 18. A folding camera as defined in claim 17wherein said first erecting means are adapted to move said first portionalong an arcuate path between said folded position in which said secondsection is arranged in side-by-side relation with said first section anddefines a lateral extension thereof and said extended position in whichsaid sections are in spaced relation.
 19. A folding camera as defined inclaim 17 wherein said second erecting means are adapted to move saidsecond portion generally linearly between said folded and extendedpositions.
 20. A folding camera as defined in claim 17 wherein saidsecond erecting means include a cover member movably, coupled to saidfirst section and, in said folded position, cooperating with said firstsection to enclose said second portion and said enclosure means.
 21. Afolding camera comprising in combination: a housing including first andsecond sections movable relative to one another between a compact,folded position and an extended, operative position; said second sectionincluding first and second portions movable relative to one anotherbetween conjoined and separated positions during movement of said firstand second sections betweeN, respectively, said extended and foldedpositions; support means within said first section for locating aphotosensitive element in position for exposure; optical means in saidsecond section for forming an image of a subject at a photosensitiveelement positioned for exposure in said first section; reflecting meanslocated in said second section in the path of light transmitted by saidoptical means when said sections are in said operative position, forreflecting light from said optical means toward said photosensitiveelement positioned for exposure in said first section; first erectingmeans for moving said first portion along a first path between saidfolded and extended positions; and second erecting means for moving saidsecond portion along another path between said folded and extendedpositions.
 22. A folding camera as defined in claim 21 wherein saidfirst path is curved and said other path is generally linear.
 23. Afolding camera comprising in combination: a housing including first andsecond sections movable relative to one another between a compact,folded position and an extended, operative position; support meanswithin said first section for locating a photosensitive element inposition for exposure; optical means in said second section for formingan image of a subject at a photosensitive element positioned forexposure in said first section; reflecting means located in said secondsection in the path of light transmitted by said optical means when saidsections are in said operative position, for reflecting light from saidoptical means toward a photosensitive element positioned for exposure insaid first section; advancing means located with said first section formoving a photosensitive element from exposure position; a shutterlocated in said second section in association with said optical meansfor making exposures of a timed duration; drive means within saidsection; and power transmission means coupled between said drive meansand said advancing means and said shutter means for operating saidadvancing means and said shutter means.
 24. A folding camera as definedin claim 23 wherein said reflecting means are movable between a firstposition in said path of light transmitted by said optical means forreflecting said light toward a photosensitive element positioned forexposure and a second position out of said path, and said drive meansare coupled with said reflecting means for moving the latter betweensaid first and second positions.
 25. A folding camera comprising, incombination: a housing including first and second sections movablerelative to one another between folded and extended positions; supportmeans within said first section for locating a photosensitive element inposition for exposure; image-forming optical means within said secondsection; said second section comprising first and second portionscoupled with one another in said extended position of said camerahousing and located apart from one another in said folded position ofsaid camera housing; said optical means being mounted on said firstportion of said second section; collapsible enclosure means coupledbetween said first section and said second portion of said secondsection and cooperating therewith to provide a lighttight chamberbetween said first and second sections; first linkage means connectedbetween said first housing section and said first portion of said secondhousing section for moving the latter between said folded and extendedpositions thereof and supporting said first portion in said extendedposition; second linkage means connected between said first section andsaid second portion of said second section for moving the latter betweensaid folded and extended positions thereof; and means coupling saidfirst and second linkage means for coordinating the motion of said firstand second portions of said second section relative to onE another andsaid first section between said folded and extended positions.
 26. Afolding camera as defined in claim 25 wherein said second portionincludes an aperture for transmitting light from said optical meansthrough said chamber to a photosensitive element positioned for exposurein said first section, said camera further including reflecting meansmounted on said second portion for directing light from said opticalmeans through said aperture toward a photosensitive element positionedfor exposure.
 27. A folding camera comprising, in combination: a housingincluding first and second sections movable relative to one anotherbetween folded and extended positions; said second section comprisingfirst and second portions coupled with one another in said extendedposition of said camera housing and located apart from one another insaid folded position of said camera housing; support means within saidfirst section for locating a photosensitive element in position forexposure; image-forming optical means mounted within said second sectionon said first portion thereof; collapsible enclosure means coupledbetween said first section and said second portion of said secondsection and cooperating therewith to provide a lighttight chamberbetween said first and second sections; said second section of saidsecond portion including an aperture for transmitting light from saidoptical means through said chamber to a photosensitive elementpositioned for exposure in said first section; reflecting meansincluding a mirror mounted on said second portion for movement betweenan operative position in which said mirror reflects light from saidoptical means through said aperture toward a photosensitive elementpositioned for exposure, and an inoperative position in which saidmirror closes said aperture against the passage of light therethrough;and first and second erecting means for moving, respectively, said firstand second portions of said second section relative to one another andsaid first section between said folded and extended positions.
 28. Afolding camera as defined in claim 25 wherein said first linkage meansmove said first portion along an arcuate path between said foldedposition adjacent one side of said first section to an extended positionspaced from said first section and located in front of said secondportion, and second linkage means move said second portion along thegenerally linear path between a folded position and an extended positionin engagement with said first portion between the latter and said firstsection.
 29. A folding camera as defined in claim 28 wherein said firstlinkage means move said first portion substantially into said extendedposition prior to completion of movement of said second portion along anintersecting path into said extended position and move said secondportion into operative engagement with said first portion during theterminal portion of movement of said second portion into said extendedposition; and said second linkage means move said second portion fromsaid extended position and from operative engagement with said firstportion prior to substantial movement of said first portion from saidextended position.
 30. A folding camera comprising, in combination: ahousing including first and second sections movable relative to oneanother between folded and extended positions; said second sectioncomprising first and second portions coupled with one another in saidextended position of said camera housing and located apart from oneanother in said folded position of said camera housing; support meanswithin said first section for locating a photosensitive element inposition for exposure; image-forming optical means mounted within saidsecond section on said first portion thereof; collapsible enclosuremeans coupled between said first section and said second portion of saidsecond section and cooperating therewith to provide a lighttight chambeRbetween said first and second sections; said second section of saidsecond portion including an aperture for transmitting light from saidoptical means through said chamber to a photosensitive elementpositioned for exposure in said first section; reflecting meansincluding a mirror mounted on said second portion for movement betweenan operative position in which said mirror reflects light from saidoptical means through said aperture toward a photosensitive elementpositioned for exposure, and an inoperative position in which saidmirror closes said aperture against the passage of light therethrough.31. A folding camera as defined in claim 29 wherein said means couplingsaid first and second linkage means coordinate movement of said firstportion along a linear path with movement of said second portion alongan arcuate path to bring said first and second portions into operativeengagement in said extended position of said housing sections.